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California
5th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Governors’ education agendas diverge

FutureEd reviewed 2026 State-of-the-State speeches from 39 governors and found school choice, higher ed affordability, early learning, and student well-being dominated education proposals. School choice drove partisan splits, with many Republican governors promoting public funding for private options, while Arizona’s Katie Hobbs called for tighter oversight. Across parties, governors emphasized literacy, public-school funding, and teacher pay, with nutrition emerging as a shared theme. GHSA-style rhetoric appeared in school safety debates too: “Illegal and deadly school bus passings are 100% preventable,” Jonathan Adkins said.

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SAFETY AND SECURITY

Districts confront Lifetouch rumor storm

School districts are responding to a fast-spreading social media claim alleging a tie between school photo company Lifetouch and Jeffrey Epstein, which Lifetouch says is false. CEO Ken Murphy said Lifetouch is not named in DOJ-released Epstein files and that student images are protected: “When Lifetouch photographers take your student's picture, that image is safeguarded for families and schools, only, with no exceptions.” Districts have canceled, paused, or reviewed contracts, while PR experts urge clear, trust-building communication and proactive misinformation strategies.

WORKFORCE

Pay dispute heats up in Atascadero USD

The ongoing pay dispute between Atascadero USD and its teachers escalated during the March 3 Board of Trustees meeting. AUSD Superintendent Dr. Tom Bennett announced that negotiations have reached an impasse and mediation will begin on March 10. Teachers are dissatisfied with the lack of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), especially as neighboring districts offer a 2% increase. Bennett acknowledged the financial pressures on educators, saying: "We recognize that our educators are facing real financial pressures and increasing professional demands." However, a social media post by Trustee Rebekah Koznek criticizing the California Teachers Association's tactics drew significant backlash from teachers, including ADTA President Andrew Weatherly, who called it "slanderous to the [CTA]."

Manteca's COLA agreement brings stability to salary negotiations

Manteca USD has avoided the contentious salary negotiations seen in many California school districts by agreeing in 2019 to allocate 85% of new cost of living adjustment (COLA) funds from the state to employee salaries and benefits. This decision, grounded in historical budget allocations, has fostered stability, minimizing conflict while ensuring competitive compensation for teachers and support staff. It allows for annual negotiations on various non-salary issues while maintaining a focus on classroom stability. The agreement, extended until 2029, has led to salary increases that outpace inflation, exemplified by a teacher's salary increase of 47 percent over ten years through the 85 percent set aside from COLA funds and additional salary step increments.

St. Helena school layoffs spark concern

Proposed layoffs at the St. Helena USD are causing alarm among faculty. The district has issued preliminary layoff notices for eight positions, including a high school guidance counselor, due to declining enrollment and rising operational costs. Among the affected roles are a math intervention teacher, the director of technology and information systems, and several administrative positions. 

GOVERNANCE

New headmaster for Chesterton Academy

Lifelong educator Joe Michelena has been appointed as the first headmaster of the Chesterton Academy of the Immaculate Conception, set to open in Turlock later this year. “I’m excited and honored and a little bit nervous,” said Michelena, who has extensive teaching experience and holds degrees from Stanislaus State. The academy will offer a classical education centered on Jesus Christ, utilizing the Socratic method to foster critical thinking. Initially enrolling freshmen and sophomores, the school aims to graduate its first class in 2029. With tuition set at $7,500, the academy is open to all students, not just Catholics.

FINANCE

South Pasadena sets $128m bond

The South Pasadena USD Board has approved a $128m facilities bond measure for the June 2026 ballot to fund upgrades and new construction for educational facilities. Board President Michele Kipke emphasized the initiative's importance for future student needs. A recent facilities master plan identified the necessity for safety enhancements, maintenance, and modernization of school facilities, including the historic SPHS Anderson Auditorium. Superintendent Angela Elizondo Baxter noted that while current facilities are functional, further improvements are essential for future preparedness. Voter surveys indicated strong local support for maintaining school quality. The current Measure SP bond funds, from 2016, will be fully expended this year.

DISTRICTS

Prop 28 funds student mural

Lincoln High School's Pence Gym now features a collaborative mural funded by Proposition 28 funds, totaling $10,250.25. The project was led by professional artist Sydney Dunmore, who worked closely with students, incorporating their input in the design process through mockups. Completed in seven days, the mural reflects school spirit and pride, emphasizing student ownership and creativity.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Protesters clash over transgender visibility

At a recent Elk Grove USD meeting, a small group of protesters, led by anti-trans activist Beth Bourne, urged the board to reject a resolution recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility. Bourne, chair of Yolo County's Moms for Liberty, argued that acknowledging transgender children promotes their existence. The board, however, approved the resolution 6-1, emphasizing its commitment to combating discrimination. Cory Jones, who presented the resolution, highlighted the day’s purpose: to celebrate transgender lives and raise awareness of the challenges they face. The protest followed a U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing California teachers to inform parents about their child's gender dysphoria.

CONDUCT

Teacher under fire for quiz questions

A teacher at Lowell High School in San Francisco is under investigation for allegedly including inappropriate content in classroom quizzes, such as sexist and fat-shaming language. The San Francisco USD acknowledged the concerns, with spokesperson Laura Dudnick stating: “We take these concerns seriously and are actively investigating.” The teacher reportedly posed questions about spending on dates based on students' weights and included a scenario involving a "fat kid."

Teacher caught in shocking act

Dan Champ, a sixth-grade history teacher at Granite Oaks Middle School, has been placed on leave following a shocking incident captured on video. The footage shows Champ urinating into a container just before students entered the classroom. He was heard saying, “gosh, that's good — gosh gosh gosh,” before pouring out the liquid. The video was brought to the attention of school officials on February 25 by a parent. In a message to families, the school stated: “The employee has been placed on leave while Granite Oaks Middle School and the Rocklin USD investigate the incident.”
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